Section 17Sec./Art. 17

Dig Once Policy. - The DICT and the DPWH, in collaboration with the NTC, the National Electrification Administration (NEA), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the LGUs, private entities, and other relevant government agencies, shall jointly develop and issue a Dig Once Policy for the planning, relocation, installation, or improvement of conduits for data transmission services within the right-of-way, in conjunction with any current or planned construction, including but not limited to, highways, bridges, and elevated and subterranean railways.

To the extent necessary, the DPWH shall, in collaboration with the DICT, the NTC, the NEA, the DILG, the LGUs, private entities, and other relevant government agencies, evaluate pricing requirements, engineering and design standards, procedures, and criteria for contracts or lease agreements with private entities, and provide for allocation of risk, costs, and any revenue generated.

Such policy shall ensure that passive infrastructure is, as far as possible, deployed together with roadworks, pipe-laying, and other infrastructure development by both government and private entities including, but not limited to, multi-dwelling infrastructure, tourist spots and buildings, and high-density areas.

In the absence of any planned excavation by the DPWH within the timeframe necessary for a timely rollout of infrastructure projects, the implementation of the Dig Once Policy shall in no no way preclude any entity from independently undertaking the installation or improvement of a conduit for data transmission services: Provided, That such activities shall comply with relevant laws, regulations, and safety standards, and do not unduly interfere with ongoing projects or endanger public safety: Provided, further, That the party conducting independent excavation activities shall disseminate information about proposed underground facility in a manner that is accessible to all parties who may be interested in installing a broadband conduit in the area of the proposed underground facility.

The DICT and the DPWH shall jointly develop model Dig Once policies for potential adoption by provincial and municipal governments with respect to construction or other improvements to highways, roads, and any other rights-of-way under the LGU's jurisdiction. They shall seek inputs from the Union of Local Authorities in the Philippines, the League of Municipalities of the Philippines, the League of Cities of the Philippines, the League of Provinces of the Philippines, and other stakeholders in developing these model policies.